• Rutkowski had a strong season on the blueline in Portland, recording 43 points (12-31--43) and a plus-13 rating helping the Winterhawks to 44-25-2-1 record in 2009-10 and a playoff spot for the first time since 2006. He led the team with a plus-six rating and added seven points (4-3--7) in 13 playoff games in 2010.

• Rutkowski joins friends Mark Pysyk (No. 7 ranked) and Alexander Petrovic (No. 29 ranked) as Edmonton-area defensemen ranked in the top 45. He was roommates with Pysyk while playing for Team Pacific at the World Under-17 Challenge and Alexander Petrovic was a minor hockey opponent growing up.

• North Serra was his minor hockey association and his most memorable hockey achievement is a peewee provincial championship in which his team only lost three games all season.